2008 Woodie Awards
University should not fear discussing sensitive topics
Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: Opinion/Editorial
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Talk to us.
This past summer, a female Webster University student afflicted with depression and bipolar disorder ended her all-too-brief life by hanging herself. She was young, beautiful and by all accounts an excellent student. Outwardly, she exuded a bubbly personality and ambition that drove her to be the best.
Inwardly, she suffered. And now she is gone.
What we have left now are memories - and questions.
Though we at The Journal value a student's privacy - indeed, this week's story on Emily Garegnani would not have been written without her mother's permission - we also value our right and our need to know the truth as students, not reporters.
As members of and participants in our university community, some of whom have had classes and other connections with Emily, we need to have our questions answered in order to move forward. We need someone to talk to us, to explain this terrible tragedy and to tell us what to do or look for to stop it from happening again.
More importantly, we need someone to listen to us as a whole. We as students need more than just a referal to see our professional or peer counselors. We need someone to squelch the rumors that are flying around, to listen to our fears and our anxieties. We need someone to respond to us as we wonder aloud why there is an empty seat in class. With all respect to her family, Emily was not just a Garegnani - she was also a Gorlok.
But the onus lies on the university to take a more active role in discussing what happened with Emily, and with all those who have tried to or have taken their own lives. The Behavior and Social Sciences club should be commended for its Sept. 6 discussion about suicide. It's just unfortunate that it takes a club rather than university officials to broach this sensitive subject.
Suicide happens. We know students, even here at Webster, have tried to end their lives before. We've known about the realities of suicide since high school and, unfortunately for some, even before high school. We are not blind to the world.
But we do need guidance.
We at The Journal are not advocating "outing" those who have attempted or succeeded in committing suicide. Indeed, respect should be shown to the friends and families touched by these tragedies.
But, please don't ignore the fact that suicides occur. Don't pretend it didn't happen. Be truthful. Don't answer our questions with, "We can't tell you that."
Students deserve better than that.
So did Emily Garegnani.
This past summer, a female Webster University student afflicted with depression and bipolar disorder ended her all-too-brief life by hanging herself. She was young, beautiful and by all accounts an excellent student. Outwardly, she exuded a bubbly personality and ambition that drove her to be the best.
Inwardly, she suffered. And now she is gone.
What we have left now are memories - and questions.
Though we at The Journal value a student's privacy - indeed, this week's story on Emily Garegnani would not have been written without her mother's permission - we also value our right and our need to know the truth as students, not reporters.
As members of and participants in our university community, some of whom have had classes and other connections with Emily, we need to have our questions answered in order to move forward. We need someone to talk to us, to explain this terrible tragedy and to tell us what to do or look for to stop it from happening again.
More importantly, we need someone to listen to us as a whole. We as students need more than just a referal to see our professional or peer counselors. We need someone to squelch the rumors that are flying around, to listen to our fears and our anxieties. We need someone to respond to us as we wonder aloud why there is an empty seat in class. With all respect to her family, Emily was not just a Garegnani - she was also a Gorlok.
But the onus lies on the university to take a more active role in discussing what happened with Emily, and with all those who have tried to or have taken their own lives. The Behavior and Social Sciences club should be commended for its Sept. 6 discussion about suicide. It's just unfortunate that it takes a club rather than university officials to broach this sensitive subject.
Suicide happens. We know students, even here at Webster, have tried to end their lives before. We've known about the realities of suicide since high school and, unfortunately for some, even before high school. We are not blind to the world.
But we do need guidance.
We at The Journal are not advocating "outing" those who have attempted or succeeded in committing suicide. Indeed, respect should be shown to the friends and families touched by these tragedies.
But, please don't ignore the fact that suicides occur. Don't pretend it didn't happen. Be truthful. Don't answer our questions with, "We can't tell you that."
Students deserve better than that.
So did Emily Garegnani.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Allison Garegnani
posted 9/28/07 @ 9:24 AM CST
Thank you for bring this issue to light. I was pleased to hear that there was a discussion about suicide on September 6th. I am not sure what rumors are flying about Emily's death however, I will be happy to put some of these rumors to rest. (Continued…)
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